Canada Faces South Africa in the Knockout Round of the 2026 World Cup
June 29, 2026 · Global
After completing 72 matches in the group phase, the 2026 World Cup is now entering the knockout phase. Canada, as one of the hosts, will face South Africa at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California.
After 72 matches, the group phase of the 2026 World Cup has ended. Now, we prepare for the knockout round. The first match brings together Canada who will compete against South Africa. This was the only match of the day, a big change from the many matches that took place in the group stages. Below is information about the odds and stories surrounding this match, as well as some picks from our betting team.
South Africa vs. Canada
Time: 3pm ET
TV: Fox (England), Telemundo (Spain)
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Disappointment was felt when Switzerland beat Canada in Vancouver to win the position of Group B. Even though Canada could still advance to the knockout rounds, they had to leave their homeland after finishing as runners-up. Switzerland will now play in Vancouver and remain there if they make it to the last 16. Meanwhile, Canada had to play Southern California.
Losing the advantage of playing at home does not completely make things bleak. Canada is predicted to beat South Africa in normal time, with odds giving Canada around 75 per cent to advance. Both countries have never advanced to the knockout rounds before. Canada enters this tournament without a single point at any previous World Cup. South Africa have several wins on their record, but have never progressed to the knockout stages. In the new format with 48 teams, there will be more surprises like this.
Although Canada was disappointed with the loss in the last match, South Africa was very happy to be here after beating South Korea in a surprising match. Bafana Bafana looked overwhelmed by Mexico in their first match, but have since played solidly with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic and a 1-0 win against Korea.
The big question for Canada is the availability of their star player, Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich player did not play in all three group matches due to a hamstring injury suffered on May 6. He wasn't the only notable absence for Canada. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he hoped Davies would be able to play against Switzerland, but that wasn't the case. Is Marsch playing around? Does he hold Davies back, knowing Canada will likely advance regardless of the outcome of the game? If Canada's first knockout game of the World Cup wasn't enough to keep Davies playing, this injury was much more serious than reported. Davies could be a game changer if he can play.
The winner of this match will face the winner between the Netherlands and Morocco, which will be held on Monday.
Best Bet
Dan Santaromita: Under 2.5 goals, -150 (FanDuel)
The group stage had a lot of goals, thanks to a more favorable format that allowed two-thirds of the teams to progress, and because of the uneven fixtures. I think this will change in the knockout phase. Picking the under is no fun, but I think this match will be very tight.
Mike Hume: Canada beats South Africa in normal time, -145 (FanDuel)
Canada didn't come this far just to be the first home team to return home. I don't know how far this Canadian team can go in this tournament, but I believe they have at least one win in them.
Vik Chokshi: Jonathan David scores anytime, +160 (FanDuel)
Davies is expected to return, but I don't know if he is healthy or fit. What I do know is that David has been Canada's best offensive player. I believe it will be a close game, as Dan said, but I still believe Canada will score a goal or two. If that happens, I hope David is the scorer.